Grilled Cheese Grows Up

Crunchy, melty, salty — the grilled cheese is the holy trinity of comfort food. We went to some of our favorite restaurants around the United States to see how they give this standby a new hit of flavor...and to try their recipes!

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelized and very tender. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Add bourbon, scraping up all brown bits in bottom of skillet. Stir in 1½ tsp butter until melted; keep warm. (Makes about 1 cup.)

2. In a medium bowl, toss cheeses until well combined. Divide evenly into 4 portions; press each into a disk-like patty to fit the size of the bread slices.

3. Spread ¼ cup of the onion mixture on each of 4 slices of bread. Top each with a cheese patty and another slice of bread. Spread 1½ tsp of the butter on 1 side of each sandwich.

4. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 sandwiches, butter side down, in skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. While first side is cooking, spread 1½ tsp of the butter on other side of each sandwich. Turn sandwiches and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until second side is crispy and golden brown and cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

1. Halve canned chiles, if using. For fresh chiles, place on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 10 minutes or until blackened on all sides. Remove from broiler; place in a zip-top bag and let stand until cool enough to handle. Then peel off skins, halve, and discard seeds and stems.

2. In a medium bowl, toss cheeses until well combined. Sprinkle over 4 slices of bread, dividing evenly. Place 1 tomato slice and 2 chili halves on each; top each with another slice of bread. Spread 1½ tsp of the butter on 1 side of each sandwich.

3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 sandwiches, butter side down, in skillet. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. While first side is cooking, spread 1½ tsp of the butter on other side of each sandwich. Turn sandwiches and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until second side is golden brown and cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.